Wednesday Night Football Prep Picks: Six games statewide with high stakes before the playoffs

Named primarily after geographic regions and different colors, the state's football subdistricts are a bit more sterile than the old conferences. Nevertheless, subdistrict championships remain a point of pride for teams and Wednesday's regular-season finales feature several games with big implications. Teams also seek to secure higher seeds for the playoffs, which begin Tuesday. Staff writers David La Vaque (16-8) and Jim Paulsen (19-5 after a sweep last week) offer what's at stake and their prognostications:

At stake: If Lakeville North wins, the Panthers claim the East Metro White subdistrict title and top seed in Class 6A, Section 3. A Rosemount victory means sharing the title and earning top-seed consideration.

The rundown: Rosemount's defense played another outstanding game last week, blanking a potent Burnsville offense. A scoreboard-sized caveat: The Blaze was playing only its second game with a backup quarterback. Full strength Lakeville North, led by running back and player of the year candidate Wade Sullivan (1,187 yards, 24 touchdowns), presents a stiffer challenge. The Panthers defense, which has held five opponents to seven points or fewer, must solve the Irish's dual-quarterback offense. And the hosts would like revenge after a 35-27 Rosemount victory last season.

Jim says: Anytime Rosemount is on the schedule, Lakeville North players take notice. They've been waiting for this test since their season-opening victory at East Ridge. At home, on the fast track with an athletic offensive line and defense playing downhill, I like the Panthers. Lakeville North 24, Rosemount 14

David says: The Irish played a sloppy first half last week with two turnovers. Such lapses will haunt against Lakeville North. Even a clean performance might not be enough. The Panthers look like a team with plans deep into November. Lakeville North 21, Rosemount 10

At stake: Not only is the championship of the Suburban Red subdistrict at stake, the top seed in Class 5A, Section 5 will go to the winner.

The rundown: This has been an extremely one-sided relationship for a while, with Spring Lake Park winning 10 consecutive games back to 2004 (which is as far back as we delved). The Panthers' option offense always is difficult to shut down. When it's led by a QB as perfectly suited to play it as senior Zach Ojile, it becomes a matter of trying to slow it down. The Panthers average almost 380 rushing yards per game. Cooper has enviable balance on offense, gaining an average of 180 yards per game passing and running, but this one will be decided by disciplined defenses.

David says: Spring Lake Park showed its grit by finding a way to win in overtime last week. The Panthers simple, yet effective style takes a toll on a defense's will. Now's not the time to jump off the Spring Lake Park bandwagon. Spring Lake Park 28, Cooper 14

At stake: SMB (St. Paul Academy-Minnehaha-Blake) is 9-0 in Twin City Gold subdistrict games over the past two seasons. A victory over the Lions would clinch a second consecutive subdistrict title and give the Wolfpack a signature victory heading into the much-tougher Class 5A, Section 4 playoffs.

The rundown: Much has been made of SMB's somewhat leisurely schedule and with reason: The Wolfpack has not played a team above 4A this season. But it has done all a team can do when saddled with a weak schedule and that's to overwhelm its foes. The Wolfpack has outscored opponents 323-40 and has given up an average of only 120.4 total yards per game. Senior defensive lineman Derince Melton has 14 tackles for loss on the season. Providence isn't fancy — the Lions average only 24 passing yards per game — but haven't needed to be, running the ball with authority behind an offensive line led by preseason Metro Dream Team selection Gavin Blomberg.

Jim says: Providence's tougher schedule includes a close loss to Class 3A, No. 1 St. Crox Lutheran. Expect the Lions to give SMB a battle, particularly in the trenches, and keep it close. SMB 22, Providence Academy 16

David says: SMB romped in a 38-20 victory last year, and I have no reason to believe much has changed for either team. SMB 35, Providence Academy 20

The rundown: Graduation losses didn't slow East Ridge this fall. Neither has the loss of running back Dominik London's services the past three weeks. Lose London, who has committed to Minnesota, to an ankle sprain? No problem, just plug in speedster AJ Tittle. He has dashed for almost 500 yards and scored six touchdowns in three games. Quarterback Ty Okada added 126 yards and two scores last week against Roseville. London remains doubtful for Wednesday's game, which is essentially meaningless in terms of postseason positioning. Ensuring his playoff availability is a smart move. He carried the run-heavy Raptors to the Class 6A Prep Bowl last fall. You want him back in the lineup for the games that matter most.

Jim says: East Ridge's motivation has less to do with playoff positioning and more about community bragging rights. Woodbury has more to play for, as a victory would help resurrect a season that looked so promising back in August. This will be tighter game than many expected, but East Ridge pulls away. East Ridge 24, Woodbury 14

David says: The Battle of Woodbury goes to the new kids once again. Even without London, East Ridge is playing with a lot of confidence and skill. East Ridge 28, Woodbury 17

At stake: The championship of the former Central Lakes Conference — now the North Central Red subdistrict. The chances of a postseason rematch are slim since St. Cloud Tech resides in brutally tough Section 6 of Class 4A, which includes Elk River, St. Michael-Albertville, Monticello and Rogers.

The rundown: Don't make 9:30 p.m. dinner reservations. Both teams throw the ball around and put up basketball-like point totals. Alexandria QB Jaran Roste has more than 1,200 yards passing and 500 rushing, and accounted for 30 TDs — 16 passing, 14 rushing. But St. Cloud Tech might be the only team in the subdistrict that can score with the Cardinals. The Tigers have a lethal combination in QB Chris Backes and WR Brevyn Spann-Ford, a 6-7 junior who has the Gophers interested. They have hooked up 48 times for 749 yards and nine TDs.

David says: Who's ready for some video-game numbers? This game should be fun. Lots of skills. Lots of points. Whoever has the ball last probably wins. St. Cloud Tech 49, Alexandria 41

Winona (7-0) at

At stake: To the winner goes the Big Southeast Blue, though these schools are in different classes and sections.

The rundown: Mankato West (Class 5A) and Winona (4A) are top-five teams in their respective classes. Wednesday presents each team with a playoff barometer. That's extra-important considering both teams reside in tough sections. For Mankato West, quarterback Robert Meidl paces the offense with dual-threat capability. Running back Charles Terry is another weapon. Injuries at the linebacker position required other players to step in, yet the Scarlets have remained solid defensively. The unit must slow Winona's strong offensive line and running game. Running backs Jonah Boelter, Alex Franzwa and Robert Warren have tallied more than 300 yards rushing. Last week the Winhawks defense held Mankato East to 88 yards in the second half of a comeback victory.

Jim says: Winona has been tested during the regular season and that will pay postseason dividends. But the short week will hurt preparation and it's next to impossible to win at Mankato West. Mankato West 33, Winona 19.